Volunteering and the credit union movement in Wales

Creation Development Trust

“in unity there is strength”

Location

A former mining village

Rail throughout the valley

Slag was tipped in every available space

The valley was self sufficient

And had a thriving local economy

And a thriving culture

Last mines closed in 1985

The Big March took place

The dereliction lasted for 4 years

Reclamation scheme 1989-1999

Created a beautiful landscape

Upper Garw Valley

Heron was first wildlife to return

Strengths & Opportunities

• Creation set up in 2000• Independent regeneration• Creates community owned

assets• Builds networks• Develops social enterprise

Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall

• 250-seater theatre with stage and bar

• Dance studio• 2 x Training suites• Kitchen• Office space

Creation cafe

Sculpture studio

• Community led and run• Makes new

environmental features• Sculpture courses• Art studio• Calon Lan sculpture

Calon Lan sculpture

Community Sculptures

Calon Lan Sculpture,

Parc Calon Lan

Balarat Arched Entrance Feature, featuring a poem by one of our community members in both Welsh and English

Balarat Pit Head Marker

Ocean Colliery Pit Head Marker

Garw Valley Carnival and Rural Fair

Garw Valley Carnival and Rural Fair

The Rural Timecentre

Local food

• Real Food Shop• Real Food Box• Growing spaces• Orchard• Farm

Garw Valley Heritage Railway

Timecentre

• A type of timebank• 1 hour = 1 time credit

Values of timebanking

• People are assets• Redefining work• Reciprocity• Social networks

Reconstructing healthy communities

Time Banking is a mechanism which can:•Bring people together in a spirit of equality•Value and record contributions to community life •Build an individual’s confidence and skills •Build organisational capacity •Build community networks and knowledge •Get things done that wouldn’t get done otherwise (by funding in time credits) •Encourage community participation•Grow community spirit•Create a greater sense of community ownership and responsibility

Gaining time credits

• Help in the community• Something they enjoy doing or are passionate

about• Be an active learner• For example, members run a club, teach a class,

do litter pick ups, make a piece of art, help a child or an older person, help out at a community venue, maintenance, delivering leaflets, putting on a show

Exchange menu

• Attend an event• Go on a trip• Childcare• Attend a course• Room hire• Photocopying• Meals or drinks• Have your own event• Spend with local

businesses

What has it achieved?

• 1,925 members • 30,000 hours of active citizenship each year• 50 group members• Reduced anti-social behaviour• Improved community governance• Street Ambassador scheme

Regeneration process

What’s next

• International exchange projects with Croatia and Japan

• Community enterprise network• Community Currencies in Action• Social care• Digital inclusion• New private, public, community

partnerships

How can we work with you?

• Free initial advice session

• Bespoke packages of support

• Anywhere in the world!

• Contact us..

Contact usDawn Davies

01656 87191107748841741

dawn.davies@creation.me.ukwww.creation.me.uk